April 14, 2026 Easter 3A
ON THE ROAD WITH JESUS
Readings for Sunday
• Acts 2:14a, 36-41
• Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19
• 1 Peter 1:17-23
• Luke 24:13-35
The Easter season continues
with our reading from Luke 24,
two disciples walking on the
road to Emmaus, about seven
miles from Jerusalem.
We have been remembering the people running with Good News: The women, Peter and the
beloved disciple, after seeing the wounds of Jesus, Thomas is on board. Luke tells us about two
disciples who were not running with Good News but trudging down the Road to Emmaus with
disappointment in their heart. A stranger walks up to them. Cleopas is surprised he does not
know about Jesus who in the words and deeds proved himself to be a mighty prophet. “We
had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21). But he was handed over to be
condemned to death and was crucified.
Cleopas also recounts the story of women going to the tomb and not finding Jesus’ body. “A
vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb
and found it just as the women had said.” (Luke 24:24)
They witnessed the glorious ministry of Jesus, lifting high their hopes. Then they were
confronted by his trial, the turning of the crowd and his dreadful death. The reports of his resurrection could not overcome the disappointment. They are headed out of town “Looking
sad” (Luke 24:17).
The stranger, Jesus opens to the scriptures to them, revealing that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and THEN enter into his glory. (Luke 24:26)
The two had wanted a quick conquest of evil and a bright and shining new day. They were walking away from wanting suffering to bring triumph.
Without a quick conquest they were fearful of the future. Just like the disciples who locked themselves away for “Fear of the Jews”.
In our own time, there are those who think we as a country can force quick conquests in the world. Nicolas Maduro was plucked from his perch in Venezuela. Why not use that model
somewhere else? Sadly, the formula did not work with Iran and the people of the Middle East and the world more generally are suffering.
The two were walking to Emmaus because the cries of the crowd yelling “Crucify Him” were not overcome by reports of resurrection. They could not even recognize the risen Christ
walking next to them.
Do you have trouble “seeing” the risen Christ walking next to you during troubling days? Perhaps you know of people who cannot bring themselves to embrace or reembrace their
faith, because of past hardships. Jesus urges them to see that there are few problems that a rapid team can resolve. The normal road to a brighter tomorrow comes from sacrifice.
Cleopas and the other disciple feel their hearts burning and they urge Jesus not to walk any further down the road for “the day is nearly over. (Luke 24:29)
Even now they are only too aware of the darkness that is coming.
Luke’s Gospel is written during dark times for Jerusalem. Roman reprisals were bringing Jerusalem to its knees, the people were starving, the temple was being torn down.
For Cleopas and the other disciple, their eyes are opened when Jesus joins them for a meal and “breaks the bread”. (Luke 24:31) They see Jesus. As he vanishes from their sight so do the
shadows. Their outlook has changed. They go running back to Jerusalem in the twilight to join the other disciples.
What does it take for you to recognize that Jesus is walking with you?
What could He say that would get your heart to burn?
Does breaking bread at communion offer you a glimpse of Jesus as it did for these two disciples?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, stay with us when twilight comes. Walk with us when questions fill our minds.
Open the Scriptures to us. Set our hearts on fire. Open our eyes to your presence in our daily
lives. Send us running to share the hope we have found in You.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John Bunge
Reminders Easter is 50 days come celebrate with us.
May 10 – Mother’s Day
May 17 – Confirmation (moved from May 3)
Pastor Bunge is in the office Monday and Tuesday next week. Call to make appointment if you’d like to see him. He and Connie will be out of town in the later part of April.
We are working on a date for Bishop Nagler to be with us May 31 is set for now.
PANTRY – Next pantry is April 25. We could use bags (paper or plastic) for distributing food.
QUILTING – Over 250 prayer quilts were made and blessed on Feb 15; they are in the Narthex for you to distribute. 6 larger quilts so far this year for Lutheran World Relief. 7 for our San
Bernardino Wellness Center. Thanks to Holly for fabric donation from Family Assistance.
THANK YOU TO DEBI FOR TAKING PICTURES FOR THE DIRECTORY ON PALM SUNDAY.
An updated copy of the directory will be available in April.
SPECIAL REQUEST – DOES ANYONE HAVE AN OLD ATLAS OR US MAP AND WORLD MAP THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER USING. WE’VE HAD A GREAT RESPONSE AS TO WHERE OUR
PRAYER QUILTS HAVE ENDED UP. WE’D LIKE TO CREATE A SMALLER BULLETIN BOARD TO TRACK THEM. MIGHT BE INTERESTING. Let Connie know if you do. Thanks.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. The box was full and so was taken for its good use. The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
Thanks to David Strack for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well
PRAISE
• Elaine Risso who had fallen has recovered and was back with us in worship.
• Tom Ziech was with us in worship. Pray for his hip surgery to happen soon.
• Michael Shea was able to play the timpani on Sunday but does have continuing health issues and would also appreciate prayers for his and Ann’s son, Andrew. Great to have the
whole family here.
• Bonnie Strack was with us on Sunday and had been encouraged by her doctor. Continue to pray for her full recovery and for her son Brendan Simms, suffering years from strokes.
strokes.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Scott Hemre lost his brother, Jim, pray for the family as they mourn his death.
• Heather Lewis’s mother Rosalind Lara’s recovery has been slow. She is still at Arrowhead Springs Healthcare but has a smile on her face.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, who was fortunate to have his colon cancer discovered early is working through radiation and chemotherapy. He is on medical leave.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. They are still working on the swelling in her right leg.
• Eloise still has some double vision, but it is getting better after surgery.
• Bonnie Hallberg’s clot in her hip was determined to be stable so they can move forward with her shoulder surgery; She has a Dr. appointment this week.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function with a new monitor. He was looking well.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for granddaughter, Kayla, who is now living with her father, their son, Kyle.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier she was able to visit her daughter but is no longer able to drive.
• Continued prayers for Bob Jensen for answers to his kidney issue.
OUTREACH
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS – to blanket and surround people in love, comfort and prayers were blessed on Sunday, March 22.
These are being delivered to those who have encountered limited mobility or received a challenging diagnosis.
Thanks to Karen for the idea.
Thanks to Steve & Sharon Cady for helping with an Action Team to purchase some with bible verses on them.
Thanks to Carol, Karen, Paula and Pr. John for delivering them.
Thanks to Karen, Irm and Chris Ladd’s Mom for crocheting some beautiful ones.
They each have a label from Faith indicating that they are surrounded by this prayer community.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you to Pastor John for blessing the prayer quilts. Thanks to
Barbara for the idea, and the quilting group: Emily, Dana & Dona; also, Linda D. & Connie B. for helping to make them.
.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND ANNIVERSARY CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And we will provide CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly Seasonal cards and generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards.
Thank you to our watercolor color class that meets on the 1st Sunday – Holly, Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria & Connie for their fabulous
creations. Thanks to Linda D. for her marvelous fabric creations.
WATERCOLOR CLASSES NEXT CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR This Sunday, APRIL 19
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
Karen, Sharon C., Carol Hamre & Connie B., continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you
to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put them in your garden, etc.
Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and
the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy are working on this project.
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
APRIL
12 Thank you to Maria for Shepherd’s Pie – “this is a repeat”! And to Karen for homemade cookies – “fabulous” – All were a hit!
19 Connie & Kim to provide Taco Day
26 POTLUCK – BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH
Please sign up this Sunday, please! — need a Host as Connie will be out of
town. Thx
MAY
3 WELCA
10 Mother’s Day Tea – Nancy, spaghetti, Connie, Salad, Karen, mini pies Men Servers will serve tea to Moms.
17 Confirmation. Congratulations to Melody, Courtney and Logan!
Thanks to Robyn for obtaining an Action Team
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY
Has anyone noticed the LOVE YUCAIPA signs that are beginning to show up on our city
sidewalks? This project is a community workday under the umbrella of “Love Our Cities.” The
event is scheduled for April 25 and offers us at Faith an opportunity to help others in the
community while increasing our visibility. It is also a great way for high school students to get
their community service hours.
Council endorsed our participation as a church, and so I am encouraging you to check out their
website – just type in Love Yucaipa. We did send out a list of all the projects hoping for
helpers. Holly Warner’s Yucaipa Family Assistance is on the list for help painting a shed. I think
it would be great if we could come up with several people to participate in that or other
projects. Most involve some kind of physical labor, so I know not everyone can participate, but
if you have an interest, please let me know – call or text (951-961-3104) or email me at
polly.winters@outlook.com.
In His service, You Council President Paula Winters
